Subtropical Storm Alberto has formed in the northwestern Caribbean Sea, becoming the first named storm of 2018 — a week before the official start of hurricane season.

As of the National Hurricane Center's 8 p.m. Friday evening advisory, Alberto was moving slowly and erratically.

The storm's projected path shows a northwestern bend as it travels through the Gulf of Mexico with landfall early Tuesday anywhere between Louisiana and the Florida Panhandle.

Heavy rainfall is expected to affect the Yucatan Peninsula, western Cuba, Florida and the northeastern Gulf Coast through the weekend, the National Hurricane Center reports.

Interests along the central and eastern U.S. Gulf Coast should monitor the progress of Alberto. Tropical storm and storm surge watches could be required for portions of this area later today or tonight.

Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is forecast for the next 72 hours. Winds of 40 mph extend outward up to 140 miles from the center.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for

Tulum to Cabo Catoche Mexico

Cuban province of Pinar del Rio

Indian Pass to Grand Isle

Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas

A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, in this case within the next 24 hours.

The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. This year, experts from Colorado State University predict 14 named tropical storms, of which seven will become hurricanes. Both numbers are above the average of 12 and six, respectively.
MAUREEN KENYON/TCPALM